upholstery journal, june/july 2008, digital · pdf fileslide show at . ... the integration of...

June/July 2008

S u b s c r i b e a t w w w . u p h o l s t e r y j o u r n a l . i n f o

Brush up on opportunities in the dental chair market

Design & Craftsmanship Award winners

High-performance fabrics meet the daily demands of high-traffi c applications

High-performance fabrics meet the daily demands

Fabric technology

0608UJ_Cv1.indd 10608UJ_Cv1.indd 1 5/29/08 1:25:34 PM5/29/08 1:25:34 PM

http://www.ifai.com/Upholstery/Magazines.cfm

http://www.ifai.com/Home/magazinesplash.cfm

0408MemberBack_FPad.indd 1 4/29/08 1:13:06 PM

Locatethe informationyou need now.

Order online or contact IFAI Bookstore+1 651 222 2508, Fax +1 651 631 [email protected], www.ifaibookstore.com

Categories:• Architecture

• Automotive

• Awnings

• Business operations

• Custom sewing

• Geotechnical

• Magazines—back issues

• Marine

• Market research

• Sign and graphics

• Technical

• Tent

• Upholstery

• Window treatments

The IFAI Bookstore has over 500 carefully

selected items to meet the needs of the

specialty fabrics industry.

BookstoreFP.indd 1 4/21/08 2:34:01 PM

0608UJ_cv1-p13.indd Sec1:cv20608UJ_cv1-p13.indd Sec1:cv2 5/29/08 8:51:52 AM5/29/08 8:51:52 AM

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.ifaibookstore.com



WE WANT

YOU BACK!

Here’s what’s changed since you’ve been gone:

www.ifai.com

View Membership Advantage

Slide Show at www.ifai.com.

Contact Membership:

+1 651 225 6949,

800 225 4324

IFAI has more benefi ts for ourmembers than ever before.

Find out what you’ve been missing—and increase your ROI.

IFAI Expo is a designated International Buyer’s Program by the U.S. Department of Commerce

Review Buyer’s Guide is now online

Increased networking opportunities

New business services for suppliers, manufacturers and international members

New publication: Fabric Graphics magazine

New redesign of Specialty Fabrics Review magazine

New myIFAI online gives you access to your profi le and IFAI Store

0408MemberBack_FPad.indd 1 4/29/08 1:13:06 PM

BookstoreFP.indd 1 4/21/08 2:34:01 PM

0608UJ_cv1-p13.indd Sec1:10608UJ_cv1-p13.indd Sec1:1 5/29/08 8:51:57 AM5/29/08 8:51:57 AM

http://www.ifai.com

http://www.ifai.com/Home/BusinessServicesROI.cfm

2

Upho

lste

ry J

ourn

al

June

/Jul

y 20

08

www.upholsteryjournal.info

ContentsJune/July 2008 I Volume 16 Number 3

IAA08_newFP.indd 1 3/11/08 9:08:19 AM

On the cover

Departments

14

24

20

Features14 Fabric technology High-performance fabrics meet the daily demands of high-traffic applications.

20 Pull staples, not teeth A little drilling into the dental chair market can fill a void in your business.

24 2008 Design & Craftsmanship Awards The winning projects.

4 Editor’s desk The silver lining?

6 Update

12 New products

36 Mind your business Outstanding service is important to getting and keeping customers.

38 Calendar

39 Ad index

40 Save my seat An affectionately termed “Big Ugly Chair” adjusts for customers to test dimensions and padding.

In today’s upholstery market, customers demand both fashion and function. Performance fabrics represent one of the fastest-growing sectors of the industry. In order to create fabrics that are odor-, UV-, heat-, water-, wrinkle- and stain-resistant, fabric innovators have incorporated the use of chemical treatments, new fibers, and weaving techniques into standard production practices. The integration of high-performance textile technologies in the commercial upholstery market can lengthen a fabric’s life. For the high-traffic commercial upholstery market, the possibilities for performance textiles appear endless. Cover design by Cathleen Rose.


http://www.upholsteryjournal.info

Winners receive extensive media coverage. Entries will be on display to over 8,000 participants at the IFAI Expo 2008 in Charlotte, N.C.

Contact Christine Malmgren at 800 225 4324, +1 651 225 6926; e-mail [email protected], or visit www.ifai.com.

create | enter | inspire entry deadline July 15, 2008 | enter today at www.ifai.com

2008 International Achievement Awards Competition

IAA08_newFP.indd 1 3/11/08 9:08:19 AM0608UJ_cv1-p13.indd Sec1:30608UJ_cv1-p13.indd Sec1:3 5/29/08 8:52:13 AM5/29/08 8:52:13 AM

http://www.ifai.com

http://www.ifai.com

4

Upho

lste

ry J

ourn

al

June

/Jul

y 20

08


Editor’s desk

Chris TschidaEditor+1 651 225 [email protected]

The silver lining?

To add to the omnipresent, media-generated doom and gloom reports

about the economy, I read a disturbing upholstery-related article from The Edmonton Journal.

Tony Shintani, owner of Benchmark Upholstery in northwest Edmonton, gives

a dire view of the state of his industry. He says that the upholstery business is dying,

getting the stuffing knocked out of it by cheap imports and a near absence of cur-

rent workers and training programs.

Shintani uses “crisis situation,” and explains that retailers can bring in furniture

from offshore for much less than local upholsterers can make it.

I don’t think anyone who owns an upholstery shop would disagree with the

previous statement, but I know they’d agree that the obvious distinguishing fac-

tor between “that” furniture and yours is quality. And in addition to the quality of

the products you produce, the other controllable aspects of your business—which

become exponentially important in these economic times—are the prices you

charge and the services you provide.

I spoke to an upholsterer, who runs a successful shop in the Northeast, about

the issues Shintani raises. He believes that most small shops have priced themselves

right out of business by offering prices that were far too low.

“Small shops overvalue the cost of labor and undervalue the cost of doing busi-

ness,” he says. “In order to offer competent customer service, there has to be a

cost valuation for the billing time of every job to account for that service. The fact

is that customer service and the cost of sales are more expensive than producing

the product.”

Marketing experts agree that in times of recession or economic slowdowns it is

not feasible to cut back advertising or marketing your business, even when you’re

competing with gas and groceries. The companies that survive—even increase

their profits—are the ones who continue to advertise and keep their message in

front of consumers.

This year’s Design & Craftsmanship Awards prove to me the shops that sub-

mitted entries are doing just fine. Most of the more than 100 projects that were

submitted are high-end, custom jobs, with high-end price tags, which tells me

that people are still willing to seek out quality work and service, and pay a fair

price to get them. So even if your shop didn’t win an award, it appears that the

industry is winning.




5

Upholstery Journal June/July 2008


Publisher

Mary [email protected]

Editorial Director

Susan R. [email protected]

Editor

Chris [email protected]

Associate Editor

Kelly [email protected]

Contributing Writers (this issue)

Dr. Elizabeth Easter, Michael Guld, Janet Preus

Production Manager

Russell [email protected]

Art Director

Marti Naughton

Graphic Designer

Cathleen Rose

Production Coordinator/Graphic Designer

Kristen Evanson

New Business Development

Sarah [email protected]

Advertising Sales

Jane Anthone, Katie Bryant Lang, Terry Brodsky, Vivian Cowan, Julia Heath,

Mary Mullowney, Sandy Tapp, Elizabeth Welsh 800 225 4324

Advertising Account Coordinator

Shelly [email protected]

Circulation Manager

Mary [email protected]

Circulation Assistant Manager

Susan [email protected]

Published by the Industrial FabricsAssociation International

IFAI President

Stephen M. [email protected]

MFA Managing Director

Beth [email protected]

Upholstery Journal educates readers in

the art and craftsmanship of aftermarket and custom

furniture, commercial and auto reupholstery.

Upholstery Journal® ISSN 1072 5628, Volume 16, Issue 3 is published bi-monthly by the Industrial Fabrics Association International, 1801 County Road B W, Roseville, MN 55113-4061. Periodicals Postage Paid at St. Paul, MN and at additional mailing offi ces. Post master send address changes to Upholstery Journal, County Road B W, Roseville, MN 55113-4061. Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to Station A, PO Box 54, Windsor, ON N9A 6J5. Subscription inquiries, orders and changes contact: Sue Smeed, Assistant Circula-tion Manager, Upholstery Journal, 1801 County Road B W, Roseville, MN 55113-4061 Phone 800 225 4324 or +1 651 222 2508, fax +1 651 631 9334 e-mail: [email protected]. 1-year USA $39, Canada and Mexico $49, all other countries $69, payable in U.S. funds (includes air mail postage). Reprints: call 800 385 9402, [email protected]. Back Issues: call 800 225 4324, [email protected], www.ifaibookstore.com.

Foam & Fabric Adhesives for all of your fabric needs.

>Camie 303FOAM & FABRIC SPRAY ADHESIVE

>Camie 313FAST TACK UPHOLSTERY ADHESIVE

>Camie 393HEADLINER, TRIM & LAMINATING ADHESIVE

>Camie 610SILICONE RELEASE SPRAY

CAMIE-CAMPBELL, INC.www.camie.com e-mail: [email protected]

800-325-9572

We’ve got youcovered.

















http://www.camie.com



http://www.larrydennis.com

6

Upho

lste

ry J

ourn

al

June

/Jul

y 20

08


Update

Thomas Moser Cabinetmakers seat the Pope

La-Z-Boy lifesaverPeople living in Macon County, Lafayette, Tenn., are picking up the pieces after a massive tornado outbreak in May that plagued the southern states. John Spencer was among those who lost their homes and belongings, save for one thing: his La-Z-Boy recliner. When the tornado hit, Spencer decided to ride it out while reclining in his chair. Apparently, he was in the right place at the right time because when rescue work-ers arrived at the remnants of Spencer’s home, both he and his La-Z-Boy survived unscathed.

La-Z-Boy has given Spencer a $1,000 gift certificate to help refurnish a new place to live.

Thomas Moser Cabinetmakers recently supplied the chairs for the Pope’s welcoming ceremony at the White House. The chairs were upholstered in Robert Allen fabric, and the fabric was chosen by President Bush’s deputy chief of staff, Joseph Hagin.

While the Pope celebrated Mass in the Washington Nationals Stadium, the 36 cardinals present were seated in brand new white and gold chairs from American Furniture Rentals (AFR). The Archdiocese of Washington and the Vatican worked with AFR’s Special Events Team to select the seating.

s nt were seated airs from American Furniture

Washington and the Vatican workedelect the seating.



7



Visit our website at www.pyramidtrim.com

1(800) 333-TRIM(651) 645-8126 Fax (651) 645-3645576 North Prior Avenue • St. Paul, MN 55104

Qualityautomobile, marine and aviation trim productsand service for over 35 years.

AircraftFAA certifi ed cloth, leather, sheep skin, vinyl, carpet and foam

AutomotiveOEM cloth, vinyl, and headlining, Leather, Convertible tops, back glasses and curtains, pads and cables, Haartz topping materials, Dorsett carpet, jute underlayment pad, Foss non-woven carpet, trunk liner and sound insulation,Molded carpets, Enduratex & Futura vinyl, and High Spec nylon thread

MarineEnduratex & Futura marine vinyl, Marine hidem, Dorsett Bay Shore and Aqua-Turf carpet, Recacril Acrylic Topping, Top Gun polyester marine topping, Sunguard polyester thread and YKK marine zippers

Upholstery SuppliesOsborne tools, Spradling cloth windlace and embossed pvc welts, Ardwyn bindings, hidem and wire on, SEM Color Coat and Classic Coat dyes and preps, Snap fasteners, Auveco products and More

ServiceA trained, knowledgeable customer service staff Prompt attention to your needsSame day shipment for in stock orders

Call or visitour website for PremAir information!

Congressional act to help recreational marine workersThe House of Representatives has approved the U.S. Coast Guard Authorization Act. Included in the act is a provision to provide relief to the rec-reational marine servicing and repair industry. The provision exempts the recreational boating industry’s service and repair sector from the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act’s required coverage, as long as state workers’ compensation coverage is in place.

The focus is now on securing pas-sage for the Act to the U.S. Senate.

Architex second green collectionArchitex, a Chicago-based supplier of upholstery fabrics and wall coverings, has announced a new eco-friendly fabric line through an agreement with designer Angela Adams. The line, due out this summer, includes 12 fabrics all made with 50 to 100 percent recycled post-consumer and post-industrial polyester.

Consumer confidence dwindlesThe Conference Board Research Center does not expect a strong sum-mer retail season. Hitting a 30-year low, the percentage of respondents intend-ing to vacation in the next six months plummeted. The continued weaken-ing indicates that economic conditions have slowed further and consumers are becoming more cost conscious.

New AHFA sustainability award The American Home Furnishing Alliance (AHFA) created a new award to recognize sustainable practices and social responsibility in the furniture industry. The Sage Award will honor a manufacturer, designer or retailer who demonstrates innovation in eco-aware-ness to reduce the industry’s environ-mental footprint.

The first award will be given at the AHFA’s Sustainability Summit, Nov. 13. Nominations will be accepted June 1 through Sept. 5. Visit www.ahfa.us for information.

MBDC certification for Bella-DuraThe maker of Bella-Dura fabrics, Wearbest Sil-Tex Mills Inc., announced that the fabrics earned a Silver certification by McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry (MBDC). A second color line achieved Gold certification through MBDC.

These certifications signify that Bella-Dura meets or exceeds MBDC’s standards for human and environmental health, environmentally preferable materials, strat-egy for renewable energy and a comprehensive material reutilization program.


http://www.pyramidtrim.com


http://www.ahfa.us

8

Upho

lste

ry J

ourn

al

June

/Jul

y 20

08


Update

Yes Essentials could improve resale valueMilliken & Co. released findings from an analysis that the company’s line of auto-mobile fabrics and mats, Yes Essentials, has the potential to add value to used vehicles through improved perceived quality and actual condition improvements.

Yes Essentials resists stains, odors and static, and can be found in more than one million vehicles on the road today.

The analysis was con-ducted by Automobile Lease Guide, a pro-vider of residual values and con-sulting services to the automo-tive industry.

Sustainable synthetic leatherThe Baiksan Lintex Corporation, a South Korea-based fabric manufacturer, has added an Estman Chemical Company product to its Cleanoble synthetic leather. The addition, EastONE, when added to Cleanoble, allows the microfibers to be released through a water wash rather than a harsh chemical treatment process. The result is a more environ-mentally friendly, sustainable synthetic leather manufactur-ing process. EastONE polymer can be recovered for second-ary uses, and the water wash can continually be recycled.

as con-mobile

-

Think pink in 2009Throw blanket producer Textillery Weavers says pink will be 2009’s leading hue. Head designer Judith Rose pre-dicts pink will rise as an accent color through design and color combinations.

Textillery Weavers will spotlight its pink palette at a range of gift industry events this year.

Soy foamSeveral furniture companies are beginning to use soy foam and other eco-friendly materials. At the 2008 High Point

Market, La-Z-Boy debuted its first soy foam seating. La-Z-Boy’s tests show that

soy foam is as durable as tradi-tional foam.

While it is as durable as its syn-thetic counter-part, at this time soy foam is more expensive to produce, cost-ing consumers about $10 more per cushion.



9



At Rowley Company, we know you get projects that take re-upholstering to an extreme. That’s why we offer products that can help you turn a challenging job into a manageable masterpiece. Like FirmaFlex™ and ContourFlex™ that make reshaping a snap. And Steri-Fab® that makes restorations sanitary and odor-free.

But we don’t stop there. Our R&D department is constantly developing new products with one goal in mind – making your job easier. So call us today. And see how we can put your mind – and your project – at ease. 1-800-343-4542

EXTREME MAKEOVER INTO SOMETHING EXTREMELY EASY

OUR INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS TURN AN

Joe Ruggiero goes green with ViroTeaming up with Viro, the maker of all-weather wicker, Joe Ruggiero designed three new eco-friendly woven patters. Both non-toxic and recyclable, the patterns will complement Sunbrella outdoor fabrics, for which Ruggiero has designed more than 1,000 patterns. The new collection—which comes in three weaves, Antique, Leather Like and Natural—debuted at the Hospitality Design Expo.

ed ns d

New Foss needle punch lineFoss Manufacturing unveiled a state-of-the-art needle punch line at their New Hampshire headquarters. The new equipment is expected to boost productivity and efficiency. One of the largest needle-punch manufactures, Foss is also a leader in the use of synthetic fibers. Gov. John Lynch read a proclamation at the ribbon-cutting declaring Foss the recipient of the “Innovation Rocks Award,” recognizing Foss as a leader in innovation in the ever-changing economic society.



http://www.rowleycompany.com

10

Upho

lste

ry J

ourn

al

June

/Jul

y 20

08


The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) announced that multiple textile industry asso-ciations, including The National Textile Association, Textile Bag and Packaging Association, and the Textile Information Users Council, as well as IFAI, will conduct meetings at IFAI Expo 2008, creating major net-working oppor-tunities. IFAI Expo, the largest specialty fabrics trade show in the Americas, will be held at the Charlotte Convention Center October 21-23. The trade show will attract an esti-mated 450 exhibitors and 8,000 reg-istered participants.

In addition to attending their company’s meetings, visitors will enjoy complimentary access to the trade show and may register for addi-tional educational and technical sym-posiums and networking events.

Visit www.ifaiexpo.com, or contact +1 651 222 2508, 800 225 4324 or [email protected].

17 grades of foam from soft to extra fi rm polyester fi ber -- cotton batting -- decking vinyl for home & marine -- leather -- toolsdown & feather pillows -- staples & guns welt cord -- workroom supplies -- linings new and used sewing machines & parts

3901 Washington Blvd. Baltimore, MD 21227

410.247.0399 p | 410.247.0561 f | [email protected]

tedcoindustries.com

The Mid-Atlantic’s largest distributor of upholstery supplies

TEDCOINDUSTRIES INC.

Supplying all of your upholstery needs from adhesives to zippers

Industry associations converge at IFAI Expo 2008

Emission petition Some 5,000 people recently petitioned the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in an attempt to pass nationwide restrictions on formaldehyde emissions. Formaldehyde is used in the preparation and finishing of some textiles, both synthetic and natural. The chemical helps with flame retardance, color fastness, crease resistance and the textile’s shrinking properties. The amount of safe residual chemical differs from country to country.

The California Air Resources Board approved guidelines last year on the amount of formaldehyde released by engi-neered wood products. Currently, the guidelines only govern furniture sold in Calif. or passing through a Calif. port. By June 21, the EPA will vote on whether the Calif. guidelines will be made into national guidelines. According to the guidelines, goods must meet Phase I requirements by the end of the year. Tougher Phase II limits will go into effect between 2010 and 2012. One of the components that has furniture manufactures worried is glue. To comply with Phase II limits, manufactures must switch to a dif-ferent type of adhesive to hold wood particles together. According to an article in Furniture Today, new glue could raise the price of a finished piece by one or two percent.

Update

Related workshops

Airbags & Electronics: An Evolution

in Automotive Technologies

Jeffrey Poole, I-CAR

Nanotechnology in Fabric

Treatments and Finishes

Martin Gurian, Designtex

Pattern Matching Techniques

Glenn McAllister, Fortner Inc.

Anti-Bacterial Seating

Vinyl Cleaning Solutions

Doug Ruggles, Triden Upholstery Coverings



http://www.ifaiexpo.com



http://www.tedcoindustries.com



11



RODENLEATHER COMPANY

Roden Leather

1725 Crooks Rd., Box 555

Royal Oak, MI 48068

Toll free 800-521-4833

Fax 800 685 0955

www.rodenleather.com

Over 75 years experience | Service our bywordbyword

Upholstery LeatherTop quality �

Offering a wide variety of �colors and fi nishes

Custom matching service �in any color you may need

Contact us today for FREE samples �

0308_RodenLeather.indd 1 3/23/08 7:28:41 PM

Expansion of eco-friendly

substratesPolymer Group Inc.

announced plans to expand the use of its environmentally friend-ly substrates beyond its already popular acoustic materials. The company’s Silonyx materials are designed to quiet interior vehi-cle noise and are currently used in vehicles by General Motors, Ford and Honda, and are being expanded into package trays, hush panels, dash insulators and HVAC ducts.

The substrates are made from recyclable polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate, and the components are recyclable.

Eco-friendly fabrics showcasedDouglas Furniture, La-Z-Boy and Robinson & Robinson unveiled new lines of eco-conscious prod-ucts, including upholstery fabric. Robinson & Robinson’s Natural Harmony line incorporates sus-tainable, biodegradable, pollut-ant-free materials that are recy-cled or recyclable. Fabric back cushions in the line are filled with 85-per-cent feather, 1 0 - p e r c e n t recycled fiber and five-per-cent down.

The Urban Earth Living col-lection from Douglas Furniture uses Dicey Fabrics’ Eco2Cotton made from recycled T-shirts.

In addition to its EcoComfort line, La-Z-Boy debuted 22 eco-friend-ly fabrics, including suedes made from recycled plastic bottles.



http://www.rodenleather.com

http://www.fasnap.com

12

Upho

lste

ry J

ourn

al

June

/Jul

y 20

08


New ProductsWater-repellent foamPolydamp Hydrophobic Melamine (PHM) foam from Polymer Technologies repels water, while keeping low flame, smoke and toxicity levels. The foam provides lightweight acoustical and thermal insulation for aircraft, transportation, marine and medical applications where water resistance, water retention resistance, low flame propagation and minimal smoke generation are required.

PHM has a density of .55 pounds per cubic foot and meets stringent FAR 23 and FAR 25 flame, smoke and toxicity requirements, including FAR 25.856 radi-ant panel testing, and all other vehicle standards. PHM is listed under UL 94 Flammability requirements with a V-O rating. Its continuous operating tempera-ture ranges from -300 degrees to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Film facings, acoustical barriers and pressure sensitive adhesive backings are also offered. Call 800 850 9001 or visit www.polytechinc.com.

New Crypton collectionSilver State Inc.’s latest Crypton col-lection, Sheffield Park, features pat-terns inspired by British gardens. The Sheffield Park fabrics, designed by Kate Korten, are resistant to stains, mois-ture, bacteria, fungus and odors. The collection consists of chenille, boucle and weaves, and includes 12 patterns and 74 skus. Call +1 801 972 6770 or visit www.silverstatetextiles.com.

Water-repellent belting leatherA new collection of belting leather from Spinneybeck is 100-percent post consumer recyclable and features an aqueous-based, water-repellent finish. The full grain, aniline-dyed leather comes in four-by-five-foot pieces and is available in 14 colors. Free of barbwire, brand and bite markings, the cleaner hide results in better cuts.

The 3-millimeter-thick belting leath-er can be used in custom seating, or applied directly to plywood for table tops and desk tops. Call 800 482 7777 or visit www.spinneybeck.com.

Leather recycled from shoe scrapsSpinneybeck’s recycled leather is made from ground shoe sole scraps mixed with a water-based adhesive. Ideal for vertical applications, the 100-percent post industrial and post-consumer recyclable product is available in 16-square-foot pieces and two color ways.

All Spinneybeck leathers are Greenguard approved. Call 800 482 7777 or visit www.spinneybeck.com.

Blackout drapery fabricSpectro’s Two-in-One blackout drapery fabric in custom prints, colors and textures eliminates the need for sewn construction or sepa-rate hanging panels and hardware. One fabric panel on the front and 100-percent blackout material on the back blocks sunlight, tempera-ture and noise while coordinating with interior design themes.

Two-in-One is supplied on 55-foot rolls and meets NFPA 701 (2004). Call +1 978 534 1800 or visit www.spectrocoating.com.



http://www.polytechinc.com

http://www.silverstatetextiles.com

http://www.spinneybeck.com

http://www.spinneybeck.com

http://www.spectrocoating.com

13



Plastic grommetsPlastic grommets and plastic grommet machinery from Sinclair Equipment Company are transparent so fabric col-ors are visible, not the grommets. Made of UV-protected plastic, the grommets won’t deteriorate in the sun.

A variety of hand operated, pneu-matic, and automatic grommet-setting machines that cut and set grommets in one operation are available from Sinclair. Visit www.sineqco.com.

Cutting and spreading systemThe ST 2000 Cutting System from Sinclair, which includes an adjustable

unrolling device, a clamping device and a cutting machine, precisely cuts and spreads most

materials. The cutter features a sharpening stone, and on and off modes when it’s moved from parked positions. The machin-ery is available in 110 volts or 220 volts, and in variable cutting widths. Visit www.sineqco.com.

Wood bun feetNew styles, sizes and profiles of wood bun feet from Outwater are manufactured with pre-insert-ed 5/16–18-inch thread hanger bolts and tack glides. A polyester resin format, suitable for paints or non-penetrating gel stains, is available.

The bun feet are stocked in both unfinished hardwood and several different finishes, includ-ing clear, dark walnut, tavern brown, cherry, English oak and pine. Call 888 772 1400 or visit www.outwater.com.

Colorfast fabricColorlock from Invista is the latest addition to the Cordura line. Using a new process, the color is permanently built into the fibers, which eliminates waste and energy used by traditional dyeing processes. Stain resistance, colorfastness and durability are fea-tures of this fabric, which is avail-able in 200 colors. Several colors are made with 25 percent pre-consumed recycled content. Colorlock fabrics are manufactured with Invista’s solution-dyed nylon and are avail-able in 650- and 1245-denier. Visit www.cordura.com.

Epoxy stick for antique repairsMighty Putty fixes minor problems with antiques, such as furniture and automobiles. The epoxy stick bonds to most surfaces, including wood, metal, glass, PVC, wall board, ceram-ics and concrete. Mighty Putty is used to fill in chips and scratches, and functions as an adhesive. Visit www.mightyputty.com.

Grommet sizing templateMETALgrommets.com developed GROMMETsizer, a heavy-duty vinyl template for sizing grommets, ropes, cables and barbs. Users determine the size of grommets by the identity and flange. The GROMMETsizer is made from clear vinyl to lay over the project. It includes a chart with dimensions for grommets, centering rule in both centimeters and inches, and a common conversion chart. Call +1 508 821 4800 or visit www.metalgrommets.com.



http://www.sineqco.com

http://www.cordura.com

http://www.outwater.com

http://www.sineqco.com

http://www.mightyputty.com

http://www.metalgrommets.com

http://www.metalgrommets.com

14

Upho

lste

ry J

ourn

al

June

/Jul

y 20

08


High-performance fabrics meet the daily demands of high-traffic applications

by Elizabeth P. Easter, Ph.D.

Fabric technology

0608UJ_p14-p23.indd Sec2:140608UJ_p14-p23.indd Sec2:14 5/30/08 10:19:37 AM5/30/08 10:19:37 AM


15



I n today’s upholstery market, custom-ers demand both fashion and function. Performance textiles (also referred to as

“functional,” “technical,” “smart” or “high-tech” textiles) are making strong inroads across the commercial textile market with their elegant, soft designs that can take the abuse of patients, visitors and guests, and still look great. In order to create fabrics that are odor-, UV-, heat-, water-, wrinkle- and stain-resistant, fabric innovators have incorporated the use of chemical treat-ments, new fibers, and weaving techniques into standard production practices.

Fabric considerations Fabric used to upholster commercial public seating needs to provide increased abrasion resistance due to the amount of traffic that the furniture encounters. The performance and durability of an upholstery fabric determines its serviceability, which will depend upon a number of factors, including the construction and use of the furniture, and its maintenance and care.

Many factors contribute to fabric selection in commercial upholstery applications: durability, dimensional stability, soil and stain resistance, appearance retention and fire retardance.

Hotel and hospital lobby seating, restaurant seats and booths, as well as family visitation seating in a nursing home facility, will take a tremendous amount of use and abuse. The fabrics must resist rips and tears, and retain their original appearances by providing excellent colorfastness, and stain and soil resistance.

When selecting fabrics for certain applications, upholsterers must consider ease of use. For example, patrons of a restaurant expect to slide in and out of booths without resistance from the fabric-covered upholstery. This ease of seating may not be a prob-lem when selecting vinyl-covered fabrics, but can be a real issue with brushed suede or high-pile constructions.

NanotechnologyOne nanometer is one-billionth of a meter, which is about 100,000 times smaller than the diameter of a single human hair. Nanotechnology, the manipulation of a substance’s



16

Upho

lste

ry J

ourn

al

June

/Jul

y 20

08


Your Great Supplier for all your Upholstery Needs!Upholstery Fabrics � Vinyl Upholstery � Marine Fabrics

Outdoor Furniture Fabrics � Upholstery Supplies � Marine Supplies

We stock: Soft Side � Topyssey � Top Notch � Top Gun � Sunbrella � OdysseyIII � Outdura Canvas

Call Great Lakes Fabrics, Inc. today for all your Marine and Upholstery Needs!Ph. 989.893.3311 - 1.800.652.2358 � Email: email@glfi .com � Website: www.glfi .com

structure at the molecular level, is built on the fundamental principle that properties of substances dramatically change when their size is reduced to the nanometer range. Recently, the textile industry has utilized nanotechnology to improve performance and increase the functionality of textiles, resulting in developments that have upgraded existing finishes of products.

In order to provide enhanced performance characteristics, textile applications of nanotechnology have primarily focused on generating nanostructures and/or using nanosized chemicals. These characteristics include barrier performance to water and chemicals, electrical conductivity and reduction of static electricity, UV absorption or protection, and antimicrobial and self-decontamination.

To provide functionality, fluorocarbon and silicone chemistries applied as nanoparticle-sized polymers are attached to fabric fibers during the manufacturing

process. Unlike coating the fabric with a protective treatment, this technology actually alters the molecular structure of the fibers. Nanosized molecules are bonded to fiber molecules so the treat-ment becomes an integral component of the finished product, resulting in higher efficiency. And since nanosized particles are transparent, they do not alter the color and brightness of the textile substrate.

Microfibers and ultrafine fibers A microfiber is 100 times finer than a human hair and half the thickness of a silk fiber. A synthetic fiber with a denier of less than 10 is identified as a micro-fiber. An ultrafine fiber has a denier of less than 1.0 (or a diameter less than 10 microns, which is equivalent to 10,000 nanometers). Microfibers can be constructed of polyester, polyamide, nylon, rayon or acrylic, and enhance the fabric hand to provide a luxurious feel and soft touch.

When microfibers and ultrafine fibers are woven or knitted into fabrics, the end products are compact struc-tures. The resulting weave can create water-repellent or waterproof fabrics, which enhance stain and soil repellency by enabling spills to bead up and roll off before they penetrate the fabric.

Furniture fabrics made with micro-technology for use in restaurants, hotels and nursing homes are imper-vious to food, wine, felt markers and bleach, and include product brands like Sunbrella by Glen Raven Inc., and Crypton.

Stain-resistant finishes Upholstery fabrics with stain-free or stain-resistant qualities are the ben-eficiaries of new technologies that use nanotechnology in a stain-resistant flu-orochemical finish. Fluorochemicals create a barrier to water and soils by imparting hydrophobic character to individual fibers. Stain-protection technologies may also provide dual-action stain protection, as they provide soil repellency combined with stain-release technologies. A dual-action stain repellent/stain release technol-ogy functions by repelling water-based stains, while at the same time allowing



http://www.glfi

17



Keeton Supply Co.Keeton Supply Co.

Everything you need for Upholstering Furniture!• Dacron • Adhesive • Kapok • Thread • Weltcord • Webbing •

Foam • Zippers • Cane • Fasco Staple Guns • Decorative Nails •Down & Feathers • New & Used Sewing Equipment

Ft. Worth, Texas

Softside Automotive & Marine VinylCatalog Available

Fax 817-268-2931Texas 1-800-792-8777 • National 1-800-433-1710

www.keetonsupply.com

Upholstery SuppliesSince 1898

the release of soils that become stains when they penetrate the finish.

These stain-protection prod-ucts include StainSmart by Milliken, Advanced Dual Action and Ultra Release Teflon by Invista, and Scotchgard Protector by 3M.

For hospitality and commercial inte-rior design fabrics, StainSmart offers stain-release/repel properties, as well as flame-retardant performance. Crypton is a specially engineered fabric system with an integrated moisture barrier that promises permanent stain, water and bacteria resistance.

Antibacterial and antimicrobialIn the health care market, antimicro-bial finishes function by preventing or destroying microorganisms, and pre-venting the growth of bacteria and mold spores. Antimicrobials can be divided into two types, based on their mode of attack on microbes. The first type is the controlled-release mecha-

nism, which is slowly released from a reservoir either on the fabric surface or in the interior of the fiber. This may be accomplished by utilizing micro-encapsulation of the active ingredient to permit its controlled release. The second type uses nanosized molecules, which are chemically bound to the fiber surfaces. These products control micro-organisms that are present on the fiber surface.

Crypton’s Disinfect & Deodorizer utilizes a quaternary hospital-grade dis-infectant to create an integrated barrier system that kills bacteria, viruses, mold and mildew.

Trevira CS Bioactive, a specialty polyester fiber, is being used to produce anti-bacterial and flame-retardant fabrics for the hospital and health care sectors. These fabrics remove unpleasant odors and toxic substances, such as formalde-hyde, nicotine and ammonia. A special finish on the flame-retardant Trevira CS fabrics acts like a catalyzer, and provides a clear increase in freshness. Microcare by Microcare International BV, a coated fabric used in the health care industry, includes a standard anti-bacterial and anti-fungal treatment.

Antimicrobial finishes have also been combined with other functional perfor-mance characteristics, including water and stain resistance. An example is Crypton’s In & Out, which is guaranteed fade-resistant and bleach-cleanable. Another example of combined technologies is Vyflex by Panaz Ltd., a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coated upholstery fabric that is flame retardant and totally waterproof.

Most high-performance

products can be

cleaned, but special

attention must be paid

to the manufacturer’s

recommended method

of cleaning.



http://www.keetonsupply.com

http://www.hooverproducts.com

18

Upho

lste

ry J

ourn

al

June

/Jul

y 20

08


Because you belong to Industrial

Fabrics Association International,

you’re entitled to save up to 50% on

FedEx Freight, FedEx Express

and FedEx Ground shipments. It’s

the FedEx Association Advantage—

another great advantage for members

of IFAI. Simply call 800 225 4324.

Your IFAI Member Discounts

Up to 50% off FedEx Freight shipments

Up to 20% off FedEx Express shipments

Up to 15% off FedEx Ground shipments

Up to 13% off FedEx International shipments

®

www.ifai.com

For eligible FedEx services and rates, contact your association or your freight savings program provider, IFAI. All FedEx shipments are subject to the applicable FedEx Service Guide or FXF 100 Series Rules Tariff. FedEx service marks used by permission.

Save up to 50% on FedEx shipping.

®

Member benefi t:

®

1900 WilsonNational City, CA 91950

3358 Main Street, Chula Vista, CA 91911

Graphic Standards for ACT Certification Marks

Flammability

Wet & dry cracking

Color fastness to light

Physical properties

Abrasion (heavy use)

Abrasian (general use)

Standards for commercial upholstery Labeling rules and regulations that apply to consumer textiles may or may not apply to com-mercial upholstery. The Textile Fiber Identification Act and the Wool Products Labeling Act, which regulate the labeling of consumer textiles, do not cover upholstery that is attached to a piece of furniture. However, if fabric samples or swatches are used to promote the sale of textile products, the samples or swatches must be labeled with all the required information. (Specific requirements can be obtained from www.ftc.gov). Two organizations that offer performance standards and guides for testing household or consumer upholstery fabrics are the Association of Standards and Testing Materials (ASTM) and the Upholstery Furniture Action Council (UFAC).

Performance guidelines for upholstery fabric intended for commercial applications were established by the Association for Contract Textiles (ACT), a nonprofit trade organization made up primarily of the companies that supply fabric to the contract market. ACT developed volun-tary performance guidelines to make fabric specifications easier. As indicated by five symbols, the guidelines give architects, designers, and end users information on the performance of flammability; wet and dry cracking; colorfastness to light; physical properties of pilling, breaking strength and seam slippage; and abrasion. The guidelines utilize the test methods established by ASTM and the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) with an increase in the level of performance and/or the addition of more strenuous test criteria. The ACT symbols placed on fabrics provide assurance to specifiers that the fabrics have performed to commercial standards and pass all applicable testing.

For more information, visit www.contracttextiles.org.



http://www.ifai.com

http://www.ftc.gov

http://www.contracttextiles.org

19



Also, KnollTextiles upholstery fabricsare available with GORE Seating Protection, a high-performance tech-nology that combines a breathable moisture barrier on the fabric back with a stain-resistant, antimicrobial top-ical treatment. Moisture does not pen-etrate the fabric surface, while at the same time, the barrier allows the trans-fer of moisture vapor to prevent sweat and provide comfortable seating.

Care and cleaningWhen upholstery fabrics in restaurants, hotels and public spaces look dirty, the fabric or furniture piece will typically be replaced. Commercial upholstered furniture is more likely to be replaced because the fabric is soiled than because the fabric wears out. The integration of high-performance textile technologies in the commercial upholstery market can lengthen a fabric’s life. At the same time, new technologies have altered the care and maintenance of some prod-ucts. Most high-performance products can be cleaned, but special attention must be paid to the manufacturer’s rec-ommended method of cleaning.

Performance fabrics are a new para-digm for the textile industry and repre-sent one of the fastest-growing sectors of the industry. For the high-traffic commercial upholstery market, the possibilities for performance textiles appear endless.

Elizabeth P. Easter, Ph.D., is professor of textiles, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky.

Contract textiles, used in furniture applications, including nursing homes, restaurants, casinos and hospitals, must resist rips and tears, and provide colorfastness, stain and soil resistance, and fire-retardance.

In the health care

market, antimicrobial

finishes function by

preventing or destroying

microorganisms, and

preventing the growth

of bacteria and

mold spores.

0608UJ_p14-p23.indd Sec2:190608UJ_p14-p23.indd Sec2:19 5/30/08 12:55:20 PM5/30/08 12:55:20 PM


http://www.vinylproleather.com

http://www.lebaronbonney.com

20

Upho

lste

ry J

ourn

al

June

/Jul

y 20

08


Dental EZ Group, Malvern, Pa., offers three basic patient chair models and three upholsteries in a variety of colors. The opportunity to recover manufactured dental chairs remains available for upholsterers, and the ability to customize and use more comfortable fabrics will remain appealing for many clients.



21



A little drilling into the dental chair market can fill a void in your business

by Janet Preus

W ith the price of a new dental chair hovering around $15,000,

reupholstering for $3,000 to $5,000 is an attractive alternative

for most dentists. Dr. Jim Frush, who practiced dentistry for 45

years before retiring to his Minnesota lake home, bought newly refurbished

dental chairs once, and reupholstered his chairs twice.

Using Dr. Frush as the model, the typical dentist has three chairs in his office. Over the course of a career, every dentist would reupholster at least six to nine chairs, and some dentists will reupholster more often. Others, of course, just start over and renovate completely.

“A lot of guys like the brand new, high-tech stuff and they’re trading up all the time,” Dr. Frush says. “If equipment needs to be reupholstered, they just buy new. However, most dentists would rather reupholster.”

Dental chair upholstery is steady work for those who do it, and for those who don’t, it can be a rewarding new market to tap into.

The dental niche“It’s not high volume,” says Rich Tice, who owns Vinyl Crafters in Walkersville, Md. “You can only sell to a dentist, so upholsterers have to market something that’s going to compete.”

Tice started in automotive upholstery and says the transition to dental chairs just made sense for him.

“It probably lends itself better to someone who is familiar with mechanical and elec-trical things, and moveable parts,” he says. “You’re going to be getting into that with some of those chairs.”

When he started dental chair reupholstery, Tice had just moved to a new location and wanted to apply his automotive upholstery skills to a different market. When his own dentist asked him to recover a chair, it was the beginning of a new career. For the past 19 years, Tice has specialized in upholstery for medical products, frequently working on site —and over weekends—to accommodate scheduling concerns in a busy dental practice.

Patterns and practiceTice does some upholstery work in his shop. Because he knows the chairs and has tem-plates, he can make all the soft upholstered parts in his shop and have the customer assemble it.

“If I know the brand, model and color, and it has the style of upholstery that is remov-able from the frame, then I can make it up and send it to them,” he says.

In some cases, the upholstered parts are screwed onto the frame, snapped to the frame, or fastened with Velcro.

“They don’t have to do anything until they get my upholstery,” Tice says. “Then they can unsnap or unscrew, take it apart and put it back together.” Tice says that he’s saved a lot of time using this method.

Pull staples, not teeth



22

Upho

lste

ry J

ourn

al

June

/Jul

y 20

08


Ralph Van Praag and his wife, who is a retired dentist, own Upholstery Packages & Services in Arden, N.C., and do noth-ing but dental chair upholstery.

“I know the dental chairs,” Ralph Van Praag says. “We have all the set patterns for all the different models. I know almost all the models for the nine major manufacturers.” He has 11 employees and is scheduled six months to one year in advance.

“On Tuesday, I have 17 chairs going out of here, and that’s not the only shipping going out next week,” Van

Praag says. “We’re the largest upholsterer, aside from the original manufacturers.”

Van Praag works in the factory and on site, traveling throughout specific areas of the Southeast.

Van Praag, who is located near Ashville, N.C., says it also helps to operate in a larger metropolitan area, particularly if you are able to service a large area of job sites. His company has repeat customers, and only markets itself online or at dental trade shows.

New fabricsFabrics for dental chair upholstery must measure up to some rigorous standards. Regular soap and water will keep the upholstery in good condition, but dental offices must use powerful antimicrobial cleaning agents.

“Upholstery has to be able to handle this new germicide that can kill spores, because they’re so difficult to kill,” Dr. Frush says. “That stuff is super caustic, and it will stain the vinyl slightly over years of use.”

Fortunately, companies who are well aware of these require-ments have produced new fabrics that are up to the challenge. There are several different options to present to customers.

Ultraleather. Ultraleather by Ultrafabrics LLC was developed to withstand the harsh cleaning agents demanded of upholstery in a medical environment, and maintain a soft hand.

“Our products can be disinfected with bleach,” says Danielle O’Kane, sales manager for specialty fabrics at Ultrafabrics. “You can clean our products with soap and water, Fantastik and disinfectant solutions.”

The company says that Ultraleather, formulated with a bio-degradable rayon backcloth composed of a wood bi-product, virtually duplicates the surface of genuine leather, but is more resistant to temperature changes. It tailors easily and offers a wide array of color choices.

Clearly, it’s not enough for a fabric to be tough. Dental patients expect comfort, and even ambience and luxury. O’Kane says that there is a big movement toward cosmetic dentistry, and some dentists are hiring designers to renovate their offices with a spa feel.

Tice has customers who have asked for Ultraleather, and he has used it for about three years. He says that it is very soft and comfortable.

MorCare. Available from Triden Distributors Ltd. and made by Morbern, MorCare uses a special finish for health care applications. This versatile upholstery fabric provides bacterial resistance and is treated to be antimicrobial. It has proven its durability under an exacting cleaning regimen and is available in an array of patterns and colors.

Naugahyde, Boltaflex. Richard Lomoth, Dental Comfort Ltd., Toronto, Ontario, says that the better vinyls hold up well. In addition to MorCare and Ultraleather, he named Beauty Guard from Naugahyde and Boltaflex from Omnova Solutions.

The future of cut and sewMost marketable products offer a cost-effective alternative to the consumer to challenge the industry standard. Vacuum-formed upholstery for dental chairs is the inexpensive alterna-tive some manufacturers are preferring to sewn upholstery.

Dental chair manufacturer A-dec does all the upholstery for its new chairs in house. June Lietz, product manager

With the price of a new dental chair hovering around $15,000, reupholstering for $3,000 to $5,000 is an attractive alternative for most dentists.



23



for dental chairs, stools and lights at A-dec, says that it has eight to 10 full-time employees sewing sets and pieces of upholstery, and the remainder of the 40 employees in the department work on the vacuum-formed styles. A-dec still uses a hand-assembled process with Ultraleather for sewn products, which make up about 50 percent of the company’s total chairs produced.

Green issues present an additional consideration. Although the new products, such as MorCare and UltraLeather offer an environmentally friendly replace-ment for PVC, the industry has not yet developed an alter-native for thermal formable material.

“When a greener alternative is developed, we will research and test in the dental environment,” Lietz says.

Van Praag admits that the trend is moving towards vacuum forming, but he feels it’s still a few years off.

“Vacuum forming is easier and more cost-effective to make the upholstery for the dental chair,” he says. “Semi-skilled labor can just pull the vinyl over the chair.”

Tice has taken note of the trend away from steel and wood substructures for chairs, but he thinks the plastic formed chairs do not hold up as well.

“I’ve actually seen where they’re caving in towards the cen-ter, and they’re flexing and they break,” he says. “It’s cheaper for the manufacturer, and initially for the dentist. But they

Keep it cleanRichard Lomoth, Dental Comfort Ltd. in Toronto, Ontario, goes beyond just reupholstering chairs. He created his own care and cleaning sheet that he shares with his customers. The vinyls manufactured for medical applications do handle harsh cleaners, but with constant use, Lomoth says the dental offices are shortening the life expectancy of the upholstery if they never clean off the cleaners.

“It builds up,” Lomoth says. “It’s billed as a chair cleaner, but it’s not a vinyl helper.”

Simply wiping down the surface of the chair regularly with bleach and water, or washing with a mild soap solution, will go a long ways toward extending the life of the upholstery. If dental office staff sprays anti-bacterial cleaners on chairs—multiple times a day—and never washes them off, Lomoth says they are actually removing the protective coating on the upholstery.

“With so many layers of sepsis cleaners, it eats its way into the paint,” he says. “Sometimes the upholstery won’t come off because it’s stuck to the chair. It’s not the fault of the product; it’s overused and perceived to be clean.”

Opposite page: Rich Tice of Vinyl Crafters has noticed the trend away from steel and wood substructures for chairs, but he thinks the plastic formed chairs do not hold up as well. “It’s cheaper for the manufacturer, and initially for the dentist. But they can’t just think about recovering, they have to think about that broken substrate,” he says. This page: Vacuum-formed upholstery is becoming increasingly popular because it is less expensive to initially produce, but it presents unique challenges for reupholstery in a traditional shop. A-dec, a dental chair manufacturer in Newberg, Ore., does its vacuum-formed and cut and sewn upholstery in-house.

can’t just think about recovering, they have to think about that broken substrate.”

On the other hand, Tice says that he is still reupholstering wood and steel chairs that are 25 years old. Van Praag’s shop reupholsters older chairs, but cautions that the condition of the substrate for a traditional steel and frame-built model can be just as important as the cover. His shop works down to the frame replacement. He says that even if it’s the best vinyl in the world, the cover will last three to four years at the most, unless you replace the foam core, too, and some shops just don’t have the ability to purchase and cut the foam.

The opportunity to recover dental chairs remains available for upholsterers, and the ability to customize and use more comfortable fabrics will remain appealing for many clients. Adding dental chairs to your upholstery business can mean yet another challenging and rewarding way to turn a profit.

Janet Preus is a freelance editor and writer. She lives in St. Paul, Minn.



24

Upho

lste

ry J

ourn

al

June

/Jul

y 20

08


2008 Design & Craftsmanship

AUTO PANELS

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

■ PLATINUM

Vitop Inc.Cleveland, OhioUpholsterers/Designers: Don Knowles, Jan Komoski

Fabric: Autocraft lemon yellow vinyl, Ambassador mandarin orange vinyl, hand-dyed mandarin orange corduroy

Description: This 1971 Buick Grand Sport was created to be a one-of-a-kind show car. The customer requested the car returned to its original custom interior design. Utilizing the remains of the

original interior, a pattern was created to fit the door and quarter panels, then the striped pattern was created that matched the original design. 20 hours.

Judges comments: Perfectly straight stitching.

■ GOLD

Airway Heights Vocational UpholsteryAirway Heights, Wash.Upholsterer/Designer: Shannon Long

Fabric: Red vinyl

Description: The panels for this 1965 Corvair required new board. Sewn tuck and roll with original metal stripping and buttons. 40 hours.

Judges comments: Nice attention to detail.

■ SILVER

Airway Heights Vocational UpholsteryAirway Heights, Wash.Upholsterer/Designer: Shannon Long

Fabric: Black vinyl

Description: The panels for a 1973 Trans-Am Firebird incorporate black vinyl with tuck and roll channels. 35 hours.

Judges comments: Unique customization.



25



Upholsterers from across the United States and Canada submitted 104 entries in 12 categories

for the 2008 Upholstery Journal Design & Craftsmanship Awards contest. A panel of industry

professionals judged each project on the merits of craftsmanship, difficulty and creativity. The

awards contest provides a platform for upholsterers to show off their work and unique talents. Featuring the winning projects

recognizes the upholsterers, while providing an opportunity for others to learn from their work.

Thanks to those who submitted entries. Congratulations to the winners.

Awards

AUTO SEATING

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

■ PLATINUM

Palo Alto UpholsteryPalo Alto, Calif.Upholsterer/Designer: Mike Johnson

Fabric: Scottish hide from Garrett Leather

Description: These custom seats for a 1962 Corvette were designed to match the look, shape and feel of the seats in the customer’s Bentley. Original seats were stripped down to frames.

High-density foam was sculpted using a band saw and hand-held foam saw to match the Bentley seat contours. Center sections are made from softer foam at request of customer. French seams with white thread add finishing touches.

Judges comments: Fabulous detail; exceptional custom foam crafting; nice choice of material combination.

■ GOLD

Miracle UpholsteryBlack Creek, British Columbia, CanadaUpholsterer/Designer: Mark LaTrace

Fabric: Ultraleather

Description: This seat for a 1937 Ford Coupe was redone with firm foam that was shaped to provide added support. A new cover was patterned, and the armrests were reworked to allow for easier installation. Tuck and roll pleating on inserts adds to the design. 25 hours.

Judges comments: Beautiful, wrinkle-free finish; perfect alignment.

■ SILVER

Airway Heights Vocational UpholsteryAirway Heights, Wash.Upholsterer/Designer: Jerry Gordon

Fabric: Auto body cloth, vinyl

Description: The seats for a 1996 Dodge Ram truck were rebuilt using foam. Ram head was embossed and sewn on console lid. 40 hours.

Judges comments: Custom-sewn ram adds nice finishing touch.



26

Upho

lste

ry J

ourn

al

June

/Jul

y 20

08


COMPLETE CUSTOM AUTO INTERIORTwo Platinum awards were given in this category

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

■ PLATINUM

Miracle UpholsteryBlack Creek, British Columbia, CanadaUpholsterer/Designer: Mark LaTrace

Fabric: Newport Euro Hide, Newport German square weave wool carpet

Description: This 1930 Ford Model A features tuck and roll pleating with top stitching on the seats, hand-formed and sculpted panels with leather glued over foam for doors and headliner, armrests shaped with plywood and foam, a matching leather-wrapped steering wheel, hand-built rear seat with armrests molded into quarter panels, dash and garnish moldings painted to match leather, and matching floor mats. 210 hours.

Judges comments: Exquisite; clean finish lines; smooth finish; carefully crafted.

■ PLATINUM

Wally’s UpholsteryVadnais Heights, Minn.Upholsterer/Designer: Wally Nicholson

Fabric: Allante pearl gray vinyl, two-tone with Allante medium gray vinyl

Description: Each aspect of the interior of this 1955 Chevrolet 210 was fabricated by hand. New padding, and sculpted door and trunk panels were made from scratch. Interior finished with polished aluminum trim, door handles and seat medallions. 141 hours.

Judges comments: Excellent; flawless; beautiful attention to detail; deceptively simple finished look.



27



■ GOLD

Rapids UpholsterySauk Rapids, Minn.Upholsterer/Designer: Al Berndt

Fabric: Pearl white and majestic pearl purple vinyl, Daytona purple weave carpet

Description: Customer wanted the interior of this 1950 Buick Roadmaster Custom to fit the period of the car—as if it was done back in the late ’50s. The work includes contoured seats, custom headliner panel and a finished trunk with hidden access panel for battery and storage, all with traditional tuck and roll. 150 hours.

Judges comments: Sweet; well-crafted channeling; unique headliner detail; design fits period of car.

■ SILVER

DeLuxe Automotive Interior StylistsSt. Clair, Mo.Upholsterers: Randy Sharpe, Tina Sharpe

Designer: Randy Sharpe

Fabric: Genuine leather, hair-on hides

Description: This 1955 T-Bird interior with heavily modified 1966 T-Bird console and seats is currently being shown on the ISCA show circuit. Upholstered seats and panels created from caramel and cream genuine leather and hair-on hides over hand-formed aluminum panels. Stainless steel trim was refurbished from junk yard. 200-plus hours. $10,000-plus.

Judge comments: Lovely color combination; exquisitely coordinated.



28

Upho

lste

ry J

ourn

al

June

/Jul

y 20

08


CUSTOM-BUILT

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

■ PLATINUM

Sterling UpholsteryMoscow, Pa.Upholsterers: Mark Weller, Charles Nahlen, Judy Shaffer, Clint Lamfers

Designer: Mark Weller

Fabric: Imprinted alligator pattern leather, top grain leather light beige

Description: This custom-built sectional contains more than 525 individual sewn leather pieces. Repeated designs and figures in alligator pattern were used to book match and create new, original designs. Depending on the look desired in a particular section, regular seam stitching and various size top stitching were used to join leather sections. Heavy density foam rubber in seat cushions; lighter density foam in backs. Varied thickness Dacron layers and foam applications in sides, panels and outside. 120 hours.

Judges comments: Exceptional design and workmanship; unique pattern and creativity.

■ GOLD

Guy’s Upholstering & Interiors Inc.Norfolk, Va.Upholsterers: William Mahoney

Designers: Brad Bonney, Nancy Hill

Fabric: Duralee cotton velvet

Description: This custom borne was built with bendable plywood and covered with cotton velvet that was button tufted on the seat and center pillar. The seat measures 78 inches in diameter. 52 hours.

Judges comments: Beautiful design; challenging piece for a cotton velvet.

■ SILVER

Fortner Inc.Columbus, OhioUpholsterers: Glenn McAllister, Victor Braxton, Thomas Sanders, Joshua Orum

Fabric: Ultrasuede

Description: This custom bed fulfills the wish of the nine-year-old client for a flying-carpet bed. The steel skeleton is surrounded by different woods and bending stocks, and is padded with thin, dense foam and Dacron, and covered with bright yellow Ultrasuede. 50 hours.

Judges comments: Fun, unique design; good use of Ultrasuede as it is challenging to work with.

■ G

GuyNorfUpho

Desig

Fabr

Descand cand c52 ho

Judgfor a



29



MARINE INTERIOR

■ PLATINUM

PRO Stitch Auto Interiors and Upholstery Inc.Taylorville, Ill. Upholsterer/Designer: Russell Stare

Fabric: Enduratex Windsong and Tradewinds marine vinyl

Description: Owner wanted interior cushions, sidings and engine cover brightened to match new exterior paint and main chairs of this MasterCraft. Red welt lines separate blue and white on all panels and cushions. Engine cover was modified to allow installation of Ford emblem at vent opening, and of cup holders. 25 hours. $3,500.

Judges comments: Smooth, flawless finish on difficult shapes; nice color combination.

■ GOLD



Description: This boat interior for a Seebold Eagle needed a redesign and rebuild of rear deck, rear seating, captain’s chairs and sidings. On transport to the shop, the rear deck blew off, and mold and mildew were heavy on all vinyl. Old wood frames were used as patterns to build new, treated frames. Seats and cushion covers were deconstructed to use as patterns for new pieces. $3,200.

Judges comments: Perfect alignment on color inserts; wrinkle-free construction on captain’s chairs.

■ SILVER



Description: The reconstruction of the deck and rear seat of this Baja was color-matched to the original interior. Customer was selling the boat and needed components to duplicate the originals. Following foam repair, the deck cover and cushions were stripped, then each segment was hand patterned and sewn. Pattern alignment was achieved using staples to hold segments during sewing. 38 hours. $2,400.

Judges comments: Exquisite design; nice work on a difficult design; excellent duplication.



30

Upho

lste

ry J

ourn

al

June

/Jul

y 20

08


CHAIR

■ PLATINUM

A-1 Foam & UpholsteryBloomington, Minn.Upholsterer: Cynthia Bleskachek

Fabric: American Century 1015 in chalk

Description: This diamond-tufted chair was hand-folded and button-tufted, and incorporates a clean layer of Dacron over existing padding. The pattern is matched and centered. 15 hours.

Judges comments: Beautiful craftsmanship; great overall presentation.

■ GOLD

Airway Heights Vocational UpholsteryAirway Heights, Wash.Upholsterer/Designer: Bryan Baker

Fabric: Nylon

Description: The cotton/fiber padding on this chair was replaced with foam and Dacron and covered with nylon fabric. Seat was rebuilt with 8-way-tied springs. Refinished wood trim, channeled arm and integral welt cord add finishing touches.

Judges comments: Nice attention to detail; flawless curves.

■ SILVER

Werner UpholsteryBloomdale, Mo.Upholsterer: Thomas Werner

Fabric: Multi-color box plaid: woven “Market Check” fabric yarn dyed, silk Waverly yarn dyed plaid

Description: This arm chair and skirted ottoman required customized, continuous plaid matching using pattern and measurements for the turn and nosing. The upholsterer used the pattern location indicators on the roll of fabric, chalk and pins to ensure correct matching, and years of experience on the sewing machine. 35 hours.

Judges comments: Beautiful matching of difficult plaid pattern; accent pillow adds a nice touch.

■ BRONZE

Cheryl’s Custom UpholsteryBenton, Ill.Upholsterer: Cheryl Valleroy

Designer: Julia Todd, Bell Hill Interiors

Fabric: COM leopard-pattern chenille in cream and lavender

Description: This channel-back chair was completely rebuilt, including stripped to frame, rewebbed, retied (8-way in seat, 4-way in back) with all new padding and construction. Flexpad formed the base padding over the arms and up the inside back. Cotton was used as a topper. Channels were filled with loose Dacron. Tufting clips placed deep in the channels formed the roll over designs without side indentations. New cushions were made using 2385 foam with Dacron wrap.

Judges comments: Channels are well done; front curve and skirt beyond compare.

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■



31



COUCH

■ PLATINUM

Airway Heights Vocational UpholsteryAirway Heights, Wash.Upholsterer/Designer: Bryan Baker

Fabric: Nylon

Description: This classic diamond-tufted couch was stripped to the frame and rebuilt with new foam, cotton and Dacron. Spring unit was reinforced and wood was refinished.

Judge comments: Absolutely stunning; beautiful tailored look.

■ GOLD

Babe’s UpholsteryFern Glen, Pa.Upholsterer: John (Babe) Fritz

Fabric: Greenhouse 73486 in apricot

Description: This loveseat was completely torn down to the frame. Customer requested that fill in seat and back cushions be reused. New back cushions with new buttons were installed and attached, new padding applied to frame, new seat cushion covers using new patterns were cut and sewn, and new arm caps made, all while matching fabric pattern horizontally, vertically and on the angle.

Judges comments: Perfect pattern match throughout.

■ SILVER

Hawkeyed UpholsteryNorth Liberty, IowaUpholsterer: Roy O’Sullivan

Fabric: Robert Allen

Description: This reupholstered sofa posed a difficult task that required 100-percent matching with fabric on a 26-inch repeat. 20 hours.

Judges comments: Floral flow of fabric pattern is perfect.

■

AVAU

F

DcreSw

Jb



32

Upho

lste

ry J

ourn

al

June

/Jul

y 20

08


ANTIQUE CHAIR

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

■ PLATINUM

Professional Design Quality UpholsteryMelbourne, Fla.Upholsterers: Lynn Emery, Preston Flowers

Designer: Lynn Emery

Fabric: Red cut velvet

Description: This antique restoration was torn down and rebuilt to original design using hand-carved mahogany, velvet, Dacron, jute webbing, spring twine, foam and brass nailhead trim. The chair has hand button tufting on 3-inch foam and down feather cushions with premium ticking. To add strength, all joints were reglued prior to refinishing the wood. 60 hours. $1,000.

Judge comments: Wow; a lovely restoration; great attention to detail.

■ GOLD


Fabric: Irvin Alan

Description: This chair was recovered, including new foam and Dacron, and required extra attention in the springs and webbing, along with regluing the frame. Tufting was done freehand. 10 hours.

Judges comments: Beautiful tufting with flawless button alignment; nice finish with double welting.

■ SILVER


Fabric: Irvin Alan

Description: This channel-back chair needed all new patterns, along with webbing, springs and padding. 12 hours.

Judges comments: Great channeling; nice, clean finish.

ww.upholsteryjournal.info



33



ANTIQUE COUCH

■ PLATINUM

Kelly’s UpholsteryBellingham, Wash.Upholsterer: Kelly Mielke

Fabric: Irvin Alan, chenille

Description: This family heirloom was worn from repeated reupholstery but was in good shape. The upholstery was plain with no tufts. Tufts were added to be in character with the Victorian style and enhance the piece. 40 hours.

Judges comments: Flawless diamond tufting; addition of tufts consistent with period; beautiful redesign.

■ GOLD

Fortner Inc.Columbus, OhioUpholsterer: Terry Littleton

Fabric: Green cotton velvet

Description: This piece was reupholstered using the time-honored techniques of 8-way hand tying the coil springs, and double stuffing the seat with coconut fiber and cotton. The inside back is diamond tufted and trimmed in double welt. 17 hours.

Judges comments: Perfect double stuffed shape of the seat; nice tufting alignment.

■ SILVER

Sterling UpholsteryMoscow, Pa.Upholsterer: Mark Weller

Fabric: Cotton felt

Description: This 1930s Duncan Fife sofa incorporates deluxe foam seating, original horsehair and cotton felts supplemented with new cotton felt. Spring deck is 8-way hand tied and edge roll is hand stitched. Frame was completely disassembled, reglued and restored. 32 hours.

Judges comments: Beautiful pattern matching; nice smooth finish.

■

KBU

F

Dfstwp

Jtp

■

SMU

F

DinhowhaFre

Jum



34

Upho

lste

ry J

ourn

al

June

/Jul

y 20

08


COMMERCIAL SEATING

THE OTHER CATEGORY

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

■ PLATINUM

Guy’s Upholstering & Interiors Inc.Norfolk, Va.Upholsterer: William Mahoney

Designers: Brad Bonney, Nancy Hill

Fabric: Vinyl, velvet, woven fabric

Description: This double banquette was created for the J.W. Marriott in Denver. The arms and front band are vinyl, the seats are velvet and the backs are woven fabric, and done with single top stitching and stretch webbing. The arms, backs and seats are separate components. 35 hours.

Judges comments: Nice, smooth finish for the length of the project; outstanding workmanship.

■ PLATINUM

Romeo UpholsteringRomeo, Mich.Upholsterer/Designer: Peter Randazzo

Fabric: Black and orange vinyl

Description: This seat for a 1969 Harley-Davidson motorcycle was created without the use of templates or mimics. The seat had broken down from exposure to the elements. It was taken down to a useable base. Hand turning the wheel of the sewing machine allowed the design of the flames. 10 hours.

Judges comments: Flawless craftsmanship; unique custom design; appropriate design.

■ GOLD


Fabric: Fabricut

Description: This ottoman was done with freehand tufting. The base was reinforced with webbing and new Dacron was added. 6 hours.

Judges comments: Beautiful workmanship; perfect tufting; nice even spacing.

■ SILVER

AeroDynamics Inc.Waterford, Mich.Upholsterers: Peter Randazzo, Lori James

Designer: Peter Randazzo

Fabric: Garrett leather and sheepskin

Description: These pilot and co-pilot seats for a Gulfstream incorporate new foam that was custom contoured for comfort. The hand-crafted design was transferred to a pattern and then sewn. 80 hours.

Judges comments: Unique combination of leather and sheepskin.

■

U

F

Dwbta

Ja

■

HNU

F

Dw

Je

0508UJ_free_subform.indd 1 5/18/08 9:13:21 PM0608UJ_p24-p35.indd Sec3:340608UJ_p24-p35.indd Sec3:34 5/29/08 9:10:45 AM5/29/08 9:10:45 AM


Name _______________________________________________________________

Company _____________________________________________________________

Address ______________________________________________________________

City ________________________ State ___________________ Zip _____________

Phone ________________________ Fax ___________________________________

E-mail ______________________________________________________________

� Bill me

�� Check Enclosed $_______________

�� Credit Card Payment � Visa � Master Card � Amex � Discover

Card Number: _________________________________

Expire Date: __________________________________

Card Holder Name: _____________________________

Signature: ____________________ Date: __________

Fax: +1 651-631-9334

Mail: IFAI, SDS-12-2108, PO Box 86, Minneapolis, MN 55486-2108

Offer ends December 30, 2008. Please allow 4-6 weeks for shipment of fi rst issue. Offer valid for new subscribers only.

� $59 $39 / 2 Years U.S.A.

� $79 $49 / 2Years Canada/Mexico (U.S. funds)

� $129 $69 / 2 Years Other Int’l (U.S. funds)

59

79

129

Introductory offer–Subscribe today and Save!

Each issue offers:

2 years for the price of 1Applications for home, •

transportation, commercial

Business tips & •

expansion ideas

Award-winning •

“how to” techniques

New products & •

industry trends

Networking ideas for growth•

TITLE (check one):

� Owner � Upholsterer� Teacher/Administrator � Fabricator � Other (please specify) ___________________

PRIMARY BUSINESS (check one):

� Upholstery Shop � Marine Fabricator � School/College/Government Facility � Supplier of (please specify) _______________� Other (please specify) ___________________

Please print.

The essential magazine for your business.

0508UJ_free_subform.indd 1 5/18/08 9:13:21 PM0608UJ_p24-p35.indd Sec3:350608UJ_p24-p35.indd Sec3:35 5/29/08 9:10:59 AM5/29/08 9:10:59 AM

36

Upho

lste

ry J

ourn

al

June

/Jul

y 20

08


MIND YOUR BUSINESS

If you give it, they will comeOutstanding service is important to getting and keeping customers

by Michael Guld

Today’s business environment is complex and competitive due to globaliza-tion, new technology, increasing product proliferation, brand erosion, market segmentation, consumer skepticism and time poverty. These factors

render traditional business plans obsolete. Consumers are overwhelmed by the choices available for just about every

product and service. So how can your business stand out from a sea of competi-tors that promote similar offerings? Become known as the company in your field that provides world-class service.

World-class service is the talk of many companies but the reality of few. When a company provides a customer with world-class service, the customer shares the experience as free publicity—that can never be bought. Typically, companies that have a reputation for providing world-class service are not the places that have the lowest prices. They do not have to because their value is created by elevating the customer experience to a point where paying a premium is not an issue.

Businesses need to understand the difference between the prod-uct (the commodity or service being delivered) and the process

(the method by which the product is delivered). Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle became famous for this differentia-tion. The business’ product is fish, but its fame was created by the process in which the product is delivered (by throw-ing fish). A doctor’s product is clinical expertise, but the process by which that product is delivered (bedside man-ner) may be just as important. Because realtors do not have exclusives on the homes they show and sell, their sole value is created by the service they provide. Here’s the point: Your business’ reputation is built as much on the customer experience you deliver than on the product or service you sell.

0608UJ_p36-cv4.indd Sec4:360608UJ_p36-cv4.indd Sec4:36 5/29/08 9:14:19 AM5/29/08 9:14:19 AM


37



There are six simple actions that will determine, from the customers’ perspec-tive, your level of service. When a realis-tic and objective assessment is made, coupled with strategies to improve, the result can be an immediate and trans-formational change in your business.

1. How well you listenDo you clearly understand the needs of your customers? You do not need to start out offering all the answers. Begin by asking all the right questions. What do your customers really want, and how can you better serve them?

2. What you sayHow well do you answer questions, pro-vide information, guidance and direc-tion? Helping your customers under-stand the range of offerings available, their pros and cons, and what best fits their unique needs will build loyalty. Helping them all along the way and being available for service after the sale will build customers for life.

3. How you say itHave you evaluated your non-verbal communication, such as body lan-guage, tone and inflection? Dr. Albert Merhabian reports in his book “Silent Messages” that communication is 57 percent non verbal, 38 percent voice quality and only seven percent the words you say. Yet most people focus time, energy and training on their words.

4. What you doDo you consider your actions taken or not taken? The only thing worse than doing nothing is saying you are going to do something and don’t. It creates disappointment and a loss of trust. Taking the time up front to address your customers’ every needs, wants and desires will keep them coming back.

5. How you do itAre you there to please or appease? Are you sim-ply going through the motions, or do you take pride in the business, the work, and truly care about the well-being of your customers? Making customers feel special and appreciated creates an emotional bond that is not easily broken.

6. When you do itDo you consider your response times? Immediate response times that exceed expectations create a positive perception, while long wait and response times create frustrations, which can lead to negative perceptions. We are living in a “drive-thru” world, where prompt communication expectations are greater than ever before.

Most service experiences are unremarkable. Consumers tend to remember only those experi-ences on the extreme. Poor customer service tends to leave consumers frustrated and disappointed. It is important to create a world-class service culture because not only are the products and services in most categories being commoditized by your competitors—where the lowest price wins—but the service component is playing a greater role in your customers’ buying decisions. For example, if you look in a phone book under “Automobile Repair and Service,” you’ll find pages of ads with every company communicating basically the same message. Since most people don’t truly understand what is being done under-neath the hood, their loyalties lie with the way they are greeted and the way they are treated.

World-class service all comes down to people. When asked why everyone working at Disney seemed so happy, CEO Michael Eisner replied, “We don’t hire grumpy people.” Robert Spector, author of “The Nordstrom Way” relays that Bruce Nordstrom’s hiring philosophy was to “hire the smile and train the skill,” noting that he could teach anyone to sell shoes, but he couldn’t teach everyone to smile. When you look at the organizations that provide world-class service, you’ll usually find that they hire the best people and then provide a supportive culture where those employees can flourish. There is no better time than now to provide the service that will create customers for life.

Michael Guld is an author, speaker, entrepreneur and radio commentator whose business development exper-tise lies in increasing sales performance, marketing exposure, employee productivity and creating a world-class service experience. He is the president of The Guld Resource Group, and creator of “Talking Business with Mi-chael Guld,” airing on Central Virginia’s Public Radio. He can be reached at +1 804 360 3122 or [email protected].




38

Upho

lste

ry J

ourn

al

June

/Jul

y 20

08


Calendar

M A R K E T P L A C E

For Sale

For more information on classified advertising in IFAI’s Upholstery Journal, contact Kristen Evanson at IFAI, 1801 County Rd. B W., Roseville, MN

55113-4061 USA. Phone: 800 382 0134, fax: +1 651 225 6966 , e-mail: [email protected].

Custom Furniture Reupholstering

Over 25 Years at Same LocationApproximately 13,000 SQ FT.

With Showroom Main Street Location,High Traffic Volume, Excellent Visibility,

Good ParkingIncludes 3 Apartments

Eastern PA. Asking $950,000.00

Contact: Ted Kleinfelter

Phone: (717) 838-8576

Fax: (717) 838-8033

Email: [email protected]

BUSINESS AND BUILDING

For Upholstery Companies with fabrics that retail from 25 to 75 dollars

From Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana

Please Contact:

Dave - (360) 687-7049

EXPERIENCED REP LOOKING

Wanted

June 7–10 ACASPA Expo 2008

At the Townsville Entertainment & Convention Center in Townsville, Queensland, Australia. The Australian Canvas and Synthetic Products Association’s annual convention. Visit www.acaspa.com.

June 12–13 IFAI Advanced Textiles 2008

IFAI’s first international symposium, in Berlin, Germany, will unveil market-ready innovations to open up new business opportunities for U.S. and European companies. The 1½-day symposium will present material developments and applications in the areas of technical textiles. Contact Jill Rutledge at +1 651 225 6981 or [email protected].

July 3 OFPANZ 2008 Conference &

Trade Show

The Outdoor Fabric Products Association N.Z. (OFPANZ) will hold its annual conference in Auckland, New Zealand. Contact [email protected] orvisit www.ofpanz.co.nz.

Aug. 11–13Toronto Summer Furniture Show

At International Centre in Toronto, Ontario. Contact Murray Vaughn at +1 905 677 6561 or [email protected].

Aug. 16MFA Western Regional Workshop

At Rainier Industries in Tukwila, Wash. Hosted by the Marine Fabricators Association. Visit www.marinecanvas.com.

Sept. 11–14Zone 4 Annual Convention

At The Hilton Riverside in Wilmington, N.C., including the Marine Fabricators Association Lower Atlantic Regional Workshop. Visit www.zone4canvasproducts.com, www.marinecanvas.com.

Oct. 21–23IFAI Expo 2008

In Charlotte, N.C. The largest specialty fabrics show in the Americas.Contact IFAI Conference Management at 800 225 4324, [email protected] or visit www.ifaiexpo.com.

Related workshops include: Airbags & Electronics: An Evolution in Automotive Technologies; Nanotechnology in Fabric Treatments and Finishes; Pattern Matching Techniques; and Anti-Bacterial Seating Vinyl Cleaning Solutions.

Nov. 4–7SEMA Show

At the Las Vegas Convention Center. The Specialty Equipment Market Association’s (SEMA) premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world.Visit www.semashow.com.

Nov. 7–8MFA Great Lakes

Regional Workshop

At Sawmill Creek Resort in Huron, Ohio. Hosted by the Marine Fabricators Association. Visit www.marinecanvas.com.

Jan. 11–13, 2009MFA 2009 National Convention

At the Hyatt Regency Riverfront Hotel in Jacksonville, Fla. Hosted by the Marine Fabricators Association. Visit www.marinecanvas.com.





http://www.acaspa.com



http://www.ofpanz.co.nz


http://www.marinecanvas.com

http://www.zone4canvasproducts.com




http://www.semashow.com



A D V E R T I S E R I N D E XTo Advertise:

Contact: Sarah Hyland+1 651 225 6950, 800 319 3349, [email protected]

The advertisers highlighted in color are exhibitors at IFAI Expo 2008.

Plan to attend and visit their booths at the show, which will be held at the Charlotte Convention Center on October 21–23 2008.

For more information on IFAI Expo 2008, please visit www.ifaiexpo.com.

Upholstery Journal is a bi-monthly magazine that educates readers in the art and craftsmanship of after-market furniture, marine and auto reupholstery.

What’s coming up in

Upholstery Journal

August/September 2008

2008 SEMA Preview

Custom auto interior makeover

Antique techniques

New products for your shop

If you have comments or story ideas, please contact Upholstery Journal editor, Chris Tschida: +1 651 225 6970, fax +1 651 225 6966,e-mail [email protected]

Camie-Campbell Inc.

800 325 9572www.camie.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Fasnap Corp.

800 624 2058www.fasnap.com . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Great Lakes Fabrics

800 652 2358www.glfi.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

HooVer Products

+1 951 654 4627www.hooverproducts.com . . . . . 17

Keeton Supply Co.

800 792 8777www.keetonsupply.com . . . . . . . 17

Larry Dennis Co.

800 772 7542www.larrydennis.com . . . . . . . . . . 5

LeBaron Bonney

800 221 5408www.lebaronbonney.com . . . . . . 19

Pyramid Trim Products

800 333 TRIMwww.pyramidtrim.com . . . . . . . . . 7

Roden Leather Co.

800 521 4833www.rodenleather.com . . . . . . . 11

Rowley Co.

800 343 4542www.rowleycompany.com . . . . . . 9

South Bay Leather

800 845 5991 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Tedco Industries Inc.

+1 410 247 0399www.tedcoindustries.com . . . . . 10

Tri Vantage, LLC

www.trivantage.com . . . . . . . . . Cv4

Vinyl Pro

800 750 7939www.vinylproleather.com . . . . . . 19

39



0608UJ_p36-cv4.indd Sec4:390608UJ_p36-cv4.indd Sec4:39 5/30/08 12:53:19 PM5/30/08 12:53:19 PM





http://www.fasnap.com

http://www.glfi.com

http://www.hooverproducts.com

http://www.keetonsupply.com

http://www.larrydennis.com

http://www.lebaronbonney.com

http://www.pyramidtrim.com

http://www.rodenleather.com

http://www.rowleycompany.com


http://www.trivantage.com

http://www.vinylproleather.com


40

Upho

lste

ry J

ourn

al

June

/Jul

y 20

08


Do you have a project you’d like us to feature in Save My Seat? Send details of your project, along with before–and–after pictures in the form of print photos or electronic images (tif, eps, or jpeg of 300 dpi or greater) to Kelly Frush, Associate Editor, Upholstery Journal, 1801 County Road B West, Roseville, MN 55113, or e-mail them to [email protected]. All images become the property of Upholstery Journal and cannot be returned.

SAVE MY SEAT

Beauty lies withinAn affectionately termed “Big Ugly Chair” adjusts for customers to test dimensions and padding

by Kelly Frush

Project: Adjustable chair

Upholsterer: Don Pearce, Pearce Upholstery, Costa Mesa, Calif.

The Big Ugly Chair was the good-looking solution to upholsterer Don Pearce’s problems. Pearce, of Pearce Upholstery in Costa Mesa, California, constantly heard the question, “Do you have anything I can sit on?” The Big

Ugly Chair is now his answer.Pearce usually allows his customers, who are mostly designers, to test

out chairs he’s currently building. But those works-in-progress are built to someone else’s standards, so the padding and

measurements don’t fit the tester. Now customers can check out four different types of seat cushions and back cushions, and find an ideal gut rail depth, seat and arm height by using the electric controls.

“I have a lot of designers that are now bringing their customers over,” Pearce said. “They sit in the chair and play around with the controls until they find something they like.”

Pearce came up with the concept when he rebuilt a RV seat. A pneumatic cylinder handle had broken, which rendered the tilt inoperable. After searching several sal-vage yards, Pearce put down $25 for a ’70s Cadillac seat

and remade the customer’s controls to be completely electric. That’s what triggered the idea.

“I had to work it around other projects—the projects that pay the bills,” Pearce said with a laugh. It took him three years to develop the adjust-

able chair, which is a hit with customers.Function rules over fashion with this

piece of furniture—that’s why Pearce named it the Big Ugly Chair. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and for Pearce, the real beauty comes when he can custom-build a chair exactly to a customer’s specification.




www.ifaiexpo.com

The secret

to leadership

is leading

FOR MORE INFORMATION on attending visit www.ifaiexpo.com or contact show management at +1 651 225 2508 or 800 225 4325 (U.S. & Canada).

Come to the largest specialty fabrics trade show in the Americas

Over 8,000 registered participants•

More than 62 countries represented•

International Buyer Program Designation from the • U.S. Department of Commerce

Design Exhibition 2008 – far-out innovations • in health and safety

Industrial Fabrics Foundation Golf Outing and Fundraiser •

Networking receptions and special events•

Register now for the best value offer – The “Full Business Package” The Full Business Package allows you to attend the show and these outstanding educational programs:

Marine and Upholstery Workshops•

Fabric Welding Workshops •

Graphics Workshops•

Materials In Transportation – • Land, Sea and Space

Fabric Graphics – Your Environmental Edge•

Fabrics and Finishes For • Consumer Demands

Gov Biz 201•

Going Beyond Green – • Saving Tomorrow Today

Expo08_0508FP_UJ.indd 1 5/29/08 1:06:13 PM0608UJ_p36-cv4.indd Sec4:CV30608UJ_p36-cv4.indd Sec4:CV3 5/29/08 1:15:22 PM5/29/08 1:15:22 PM



We’re all about your goals.trivantage.com

Tri Vantage, LLC, a Glen Raven Company

We’re all about your goals.

Carolyn ReneMark Carol Shawn

Demand for the finest quality products. Done. Same-day shipping anywhere in the U.S.? Yep. Looking for help in growing your business? Of course. We unified Astrup and John Boyle to create a stronger organizationcapable of providing greater supply chain efficiencies and enhanced value to you. We did this by combiningour vast breadth and depth of product inventory and optimally positioning distribution centers.It’s all about meeting your needs. No matter what they might be.

Audrey

0608UJ_p36-cv4.indd Sec4:CV40608UJ_p36-cv4.indd Sec4:CV4 5/29/08 9:14:30 AM5/29/08 9:14:30 AM

http://www.trivantage.com

upholstery journal, june/july 2008, digital · pdf fileslide show at . ... the integration of...

Documents